Indiana Reps Honored For Defense Of Freedom

by
posted on June 23, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
smalts.jpg

Indiana State Representatives Ben Smaltz (left) and Jim Lucas

Republican Indiana State Representatives Jim Lucas and Ben Smaltz were presented with the Defender of Freedom Award from the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. The award ceremony took place during the 148th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Indianapolis.

“This year Jim Lucas and Ben Smaltz succeeded in passing legislation to expand self-defense options for Hoosiers,” announced Chris Kopacki, NRA-ILA Indiana state director. “This award honors Lucas and Smaltz for leading the fight in Indiana to promote our fundamental right to self-protection.”

Reps. Lucas and Smaltz sponsored the same piece of legislation, House Bill 1284, that was signed into law by Gov. Holcomb. The Defender of Freedom Award is given to individuals who have distinguished themselves in preserving and protecting rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment.

Latest

William A. Bachenberg
William A. Bachenberg

President’s Column | Getting You Up to Speed

A lot of things have occurred over the past month or so that not all members are completely aware of. I’ll use my column this month to update you on some important issues—transparency.

Standing Guard | The NRA Gathers to Celebrate Our Freedom

The momentum we’re seeing across the country is both encouraging and energizing. January opened with tremendous activity at the NRA booth during SHOT Show, where members, industry partners and supporters stopped by to connect, share ideas and reaffirm their commitment to freedom and the Second Amendment.

The Armed Citizen® February 18, 2026

A man in his 70s was in his home in Jacksonville, Fla., shortly after lunchtime on Nov. 18, 2025, when an intruder broke in through a back window and demanded his keys and valuables.

The “L” in NRA-ILA Refers to Legislation, But Litigation is also Critically Important

Latest legislative news from inside the NRA Institute for Legislative Action

Video Interview: Buck Sexton Calls Gun Control a “Manufactured Delusion”

Buck Sexton, the radio host and author, has a new book out titled Manufacturing Delusion—How the Left Uses Brainwashing, Indoctrination, And Propaganda Against You. As Sexton is an ardent Second Amendment advocate and an NRA-certified firearms instructor, we decided to ask him if gun control is a manufactured delusion.

President’s Column | NRA 2.0 Transformations

As reported on Oct. 31, 2025, the NRA announced a major internal reorganization to modernize and increase efficiencies. This reorganization marked the first step in our effort to modernize and improve operations.

Interests



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.